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Bonita Springs joins memorandum of agreement for regional rails-to-trails corridor
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of agreement among Bonita Springs, Estero and Collier County to advance an 11.4-mile rail-to-trail connector; the MOA sets coordination steps and does not commit funds.
Bonita Springs City Council voted to approve a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that formalizes cooperative steps among Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and Collier County to advance an 11.4-mile rail-to-trail corridor that would link local jurisdictions and connect to the Paradise Coast Trail.
The MOA, as presented to council, establishes a framework for pre-acquisition tasks (appraisals, title review, environmental site assessments), confidentiality for appraisals under state law, and joint work on fundraising, acquisition, construction and long-term management. The agreement does not obligate any party to provide funding; it defines roles and coordination steps.
Friends of Burt (BERT) and other advocates have been promoting the rail-to-trail project as a regional connector and economic and safety benefit for cyclists and pedestrians. Friends of Burt representative Deb Orton told council that the project is already being prioritized at the state level for SunTrails funding and said Collier County has indicated a commitment to fund at least 50% of its portion of the corridor.
Council action: The memorandum was approved by roll call after a motion to call the question (end debate) carried. The MOA will allow the jurisdictions to continue coordinated planning and pursue state and other funding sources.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate with partners on appraisals and pre-acquisition tasks and on outreach for potential funding sources, including SunTrails and other state and local grants.
